Relationship Executive - Small Business (Pipeline)

Absa Group; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution in Durban seeks a Business Banking Relationship Manager to optimise the profitability of SME clients. You will be responsible for acquiring new clients, cross-selling, and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, while maintaining strong client relationships. A Bachelor's degree and significant banking experience are essential. The role offers a dynamic and engaging work environment.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years as a Business Banking Relationship Manager with proven high sales performance.
• At least 5 years in a client-facing, target-driven financial services role, preferably banking.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary contact point for all business banking needs.
• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with SME clients.
• Take overall accountability for service delivery.
• Own the portfolio’s risk assessment and management.

Skills

Strong communication and negotiation skills

Ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional teams

Proficiency in risk management and regulatory compliance

Strong understanding of SME portfolio optimisation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Science, Economics, or related fields

Honours degree preferred

Job description

Empowering Africa’s tomorrow, together…one story at a time.

With over 100 years of rich history and strongly positioned as a local bank with regional and international expertise, a career with our family offers the opportunity to be part of this exciting growth journey, to reset our future and shape our destiny as a proudly African group.

Job Summary

Optimise the profitability and economic value of a portfolio of Small Business clients with low to medium complexity commercial banking needs by:

• Origination: Acquiring new clients.
• Cross‑Selling: Expanding product penetration within the existing client base.
• Coverage: Delivering service aligned to the SME segment Customer Value Proposition (CVP).

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

Relationship Management

Act as the primary contact point for all business banking needs.

Build and maintain strong, trust‑based relationships with SME clients.

Client Solutioning

Take overall accountability for service delivery.

Define engagement rules for the cross‑functional team, including Enterprise Banker, Sales Support Consultant, Credit Analyst, Product & Sector Specialists.

Ensure minimum service standards are met consistently.

Risk Management

Own the portfolio’s risk assessment and management.

Ensure compliance with FICA, NCA, and other regulatory requirements.

Maintain a strong understanding of credit risk processes and make informed recommendations.

Experience

• At least 4 years as a Business Banking Relationship Manager with proven year‑on‑year high sales performance, managing a portfolio of 150+ clients, validated through annual ratings and contactable references.
• At least 5 years in a client‑facing, target‑driven financial services role, preferably banking.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Science, Economics, or related fields.
• Honours degree preferred.

Technical Competencies

• Strong understanding of SME portfolio optimisation (origination, cross‑sell, coverage).
• Credit processes and ability to analyse company financials.
• Proficiency in risk management and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to lead and coordinate cross‑functional teams.

Behavioural Competencies

• Learning mindset, high energy, and ability to work under pressure and independently.
• Resilient, resourceful, and deadline‑driven.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills (verbal and written).
• Naturally inquisitive with high personal mastery.
• Impeccable client relationship ethos.

FAIS Compliance

Must meet FAIS Fit and Proper requirements.

Maintain regulatory certifications as required by the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Segment Manager / Business Banking Leadership

Absa Bank Limited is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. In compliance with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, preference will be given to suitable candidates from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achievement of equitable demographic representation of our workforce profile and add to the diversity of the Bank.

Absa Bank Limited reserves the right not to make an appointment to the post as advertised.